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T O P I C R E V I E W

Jim Behling

Came across a little booklet called "Rocket Hobos" at the Space Walk of Fame Museum. Actually, the booklet came with the attached patch.

It describes a Rocket Hobo as one "who never misses a rocket launch. They have encyclopedic knowledge of the space program. They possess minutiae on the history of NASA. Their minds are like webs wherein every statistic of space trivia is forever snared. Rocket Hobos set their alarms for 3:11 am Atlas blast-offs."

But the intriguing part, is the booklet mentions a bar called "The White Hart."* It says it is south of Port Canaveral. I have no idea where it is.

* It is named after a watering hole that Arthur C. Clarke writes about.

bthumble

Does anyone know where this patch is for sale? I contacted the site that originally offered it, but received a reply that they were no longer selling them.

Sci.fi.tinkerbell

My Dad made the patch and wrote the book! It was based on a story he wrote for Space Launch News back in the '90s.

We still have a few patches boxed up in the closet. I saw one sell on eBay just last month for $15.50! Crazy! My dad doesn't even know this yet. I just reread the booklet last night and decided to google it. How funny that it even turned up results.

My Father still works at Kennedy Space Center, 24 years now. And he still never misses a launch. I'm going to love passing the news on to him that someone out there is still talking about his space-obsessed endeavor. (Nice play on words, right?)

If anyone wants one, I'll unpack them!

Jacques van Oene

I want the book, if that is an option? The patch I already have in my collection.

And I'm currently in Titusville right now Saw the Delta IV launch yesterday, as a good Rocket Hobo does while in town.

Going to the video premier of "The Merritt Island Adventure: Hardy Homesteaders, Wondrous Wildlife, and the Roar of Rockets" in a moment. Let see how Florida was before NASA came...

bthumble

I am interested if you are selling them. I sent you an email.

KSCartist

Welcome to cS tink or would you prefer "Miss Bell".

I see by your occupation that you are an artist. Have we seen your work? — Tim

JBoe

I've seen this patch many times on eBay, but never knew the story behind it. I'm not sure if I still fit the characteristics of the patch now, but more so when I was younger. I try to catch a launch on NASA TV or an Orbital launch from Wallops Island outside when I'm home.

By the way, how much would one be and is the booklet available as mentioned by Jacques? Thanks again and welcome!

Sci.fi.tinkerbell

I've only found two booklets but we will keep looking. I have plenty of patches. I think $7, free USA shipping is plenty enough to keep it cheap enough to pay for a patch.

Sci.fi.tinkerbell

So far I only have the patches, but if we wait till my Father's Day off, he will do a more thorough search. As I said, it's been years since he thought of them. Tuesday we will know for sure.

If you only want the patch it'll be $7, free shipping in the USA. My dad loved the rocket hobo idea. Even though he has moved houses three times, he keeps them.

He had opened a space art studio in Titusville, FL when he first moved here but this town is not great for art... Please don't let any titusvillians take offense, he busted his butt with LightSpeed Gallery!

I have no electronic means for funds transfer, can you send a check or money order?

Gonzo

Just emailed you!

Thanks for this unique patch!

wickball

Also sent an email.

Sci.fi.tinkerbell

Alright, no books left, sorry. If truly interested I can photocopy the original articles from the Space Launch News. Please send $5 for the article copies! Patches available at $7 and ready to mail. Checks and money orders please to Jim Dolan 5320 Sandra dr. Titusville, FL 32780.